Six Cytokine Families

Why is it important for type I interferon (IFN-I) to act in both autocrine and paracrine fashions? What types of infectious diseases would be targeted by IFN-I vs IFN-II? Where does the signal to induce IFN-I occur?

How is the JAK-STAT pathway different than the pathways using ITAMs such as BCR- and TCR-mediated signaling?

Briefly mention the primary purpose of the following TNF family members:

TNFalpha

BAFF

APRIL

Fas

CD40

Provide a summary of the pro-apoptotic pathway that is initiated by some TNF family members such as Fas and TNFα. Describe general themes rather than a detailed “play-by-play” description.

Compare and contrast general themes in NF-B activation via IL-1/TNF/IL-17 pathways (example: TRAFs as a common molecule) versus BCR/TCR/chemokine pathways (example: PLCs as a common molecule).

When scientists say “IL-17”, they are more often than not referring to IL-17A and/or IL17F. Describe the dimers formed by these molecules and the structure of their receptor. What are the three pathways described to be downstream of IL-17A/F binding and spend some time focusing on pathway #2.

Life and Biology

Nicknamed "LaB", Life and Biology is a project initiated by Dr. Joel Graff. Here I share biology content for both my students at Montana Tech and anyone else that is curious about the topic. Feel free to snoop around the site and offer me any feedback you may have using the "Contact" page.